Review - I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder

Title: I Heart You, You Haunt Me

Author: Lisa Schroeder

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 226

Published: October 27th 2009 by Simon Pulse

ISBN: 9781416955207

Source: Personal Copy

Description: Girl meets boy. Girl loses boy. Girl gets boy back... ...sort of. Ava can't see him or touch him, unless she's dreaming. She can't hear his voice, except for the faint whispers in her mind. Most would think she's crazy, but she knows he's here. Jackson. The boy Ava thought she'd spend the rest of her life with. He's back from the dead, as proof that love truly knows no bounds. 

I Give This ...

 

I've had this sitting on my shelf for quite some time.  After two wonderful books by Lisa Schroeder, I intended on reading sooner rather than later.   I'm so glad I did!  

It continues to amaze me that a story can be told so beautifully in so little words.  I never would have thought that a verse novel could make me feel so much.  Even though I have no personal experience with what Ava is going through, I instantly connected to her.  Her grief and guilt jump off the pages.  At first I was afraid that she wasn't going to let go of Jackson, and this was going to be a downward spiral into depression.  But I should know better.  Schroeder has a knack for taking these situations and having a light at the end of a dark tunnel.  I was happy to see that life will go on for Ava.

What was strange for me, was I initially read Jackson completely wrong.  I thought he was a controlling boyfriend in some of the flashbacks.  And he came across that way in death as well.  I think I took that differently than was intended.  Especially in the end when I realized the reasons Jackson actually came back to Ava.  It made me rethink my entire approach to the book.

An enjoyable read that I would recommend to anybody, particularly those who are hesitant to try verse.   I look forward to what Schroeder produces next!  And I will seek out Far From You, it's the only one I haven't read!

Review: The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

Title: The Day Before

Author: Lisa Schroeder

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 320

Published:  Available now from Simon

ISBN: 9781442417434

Source: Galley Grab

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description: Amber’s life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself. Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell he’s also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets. The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she’s drawn to him. And the more she’s troubled by his darkness. Because Cade’s not just living in the now—he’s living each moment like it’s his last.

 

I Give This ...

 

 

I've only read one book by Lisa Schroeder, but I thoroughly enjoyed the style of writing she uses.  She managed to capture emotions so beautifully.  This is no exception.

 

I wasn't sure on Amber at first.  She seemed to be really angry about something.  Since it's obviously young adult, I wasn't sure if it was justifiable (I was thinking something trivial).  I should have known better.  I was absolutely shocked at what Amber was doing and why.  I really felt for her the moment I figured out the truth.  Mainly because I identified with her.  No, I don't exactly have the same circumstances.  But, I'm adopted.  Growing up that same possibility was always there.  Actually what amazed me most was that the other people put there needs so far above Amber's own and that a judge actually granted their request.  

 

I admired Amber for the way she handles it all.  She may not like, but she's trying to make the best of the situation.  I also don't blame her for wanting to spend that last day by herself.  I think she was trying to ground herself in what she knew and was familiar with because everything was going to change the next day.  I liked how she met Cade.  I also had the same thoughs about him that Amber did at first.  I was just as happy as she was about what was really going on in his life.  His day before was just as emotional as hers was.  I was happy that they went through it together.

 

 Another hit from Lisa Schroeder.  I love the roller coaster of emotions she takes you on and the beautiful and unique way she managed to do it.  I can't wait for her next one!

Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder

Title: Chasing Brooklyn

Author: Lisa Schroeder

Pages: 412

Published: January 2010 by Simon and Schuster

ISBN: 9781416991687

Source: ARC from 1 ARC Tours

Description: Restless souls and empty hearts. Brooklyn can’t sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca died a year ago, and now their friend Gabe has died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe's ghost is there, waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn't Lucca chasing her through her dreams.  Nico can’t stop. He’s always running, trying so hard not to feel the pain of missing Lucca. But when he begins receiving messages from his dead brother, telling him to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface. As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they're being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest.

I Give This ...

I have to admit something ... if one of my daughter's names (or mine) is on a book cover, I'm going to pick it up.   But, the description of this book sounded so haunting and the cover just added to it.  I was curious.

I'm glad I've finally gotten to read it.  I never thought that an entire 400+ page novel written in verse could work so well.  But, it's beautiful.  Brooklyn is a very moving female character.  You can tell just how deeply she carried for Lucca.  You see her really fight to move on with her life, but her grief just consumes her.  When she she starts seeing Gabe's ghost, you can't help but be frightened right along with her.

I was hesitate on Nico at first.  But, I think we're suppose to be.  He is after all Lucca's brother.  I like how the author slowly brings his personality to the pages.   I think we see him just as a brother at first until he becomes his own person.  He comes to life and you realize that maybe that Nico and Brooklyn can help each other if they can just get past their connections to Lucca.

The novel was really well done and I enjoyed every minute of it.  I can't wait to read something else by Lisa Schroeder.